Moldova prepares plan for unification with Transnistria, media says
Moldova prepares for unification with Transnistria (Getty Images)
Moldova has reportedly prepared a plan for the reintegration of Transnistria. It includes the withdrawal of Russian troops at the request of Tiraspol, reports NewsMaker.
The Spanish El Pais published the so-called reintegration plan for the Transnistrian region. According to the media, the plan was prepared by a consulting agency authorized by Chișinău.
The Spanish media notes that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has created unique conditions that Moldova wants to use to restore economic and political reintegration.
According to the plan, Moldova wants to regain control of Transnistria by 2038. Moldova intends to unite following the example of Germany - accession of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) to the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in 1990.
The reintegration plan is supposed to end with a referendum and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Transnistria. The withdrawal should take place at the request of Tiraspol, and be replaced by an international mission.
There are currently 500 Russian “peacekeepers” at checkpoints in Transnistria. Russia also has 1,500 soldiers in the region.
According to El Pais, Moldova is secretly meeting with Transnistrian leaders, but the talks are still at a very early stage. Chisinau wants to agree with Transnistria this year on training judges, prosecutors, and lawyers. In the next stages, Moldova will offer Transnistrian residents compensation for gas prices, and the parties will begin to negotiate the political status of the region. In 2027, Chisinau and Tiraspol are supposed to hold a referendum.
Chișinău's reaction
Moldova has neither denied nor confirmed the media reports.
The Bureau for Reintegration Policies told the Moldovan edition of NewsMaker that Chișinău had official programs and an action plan for reintegration.
Background
Transnistria was formed on August 25, 1991, two days before Moldova declared independence. The region was occupied by Russia.
Transnistria is still unrecognized in the world, it is a gray zone. The conflict is in a frozen stage.
During Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine, Transnistria claimed alleged provocations by Ukraine. In 2023, the Russian Ministry of Defense accused the Armed Forces of allegedly preparing to invade Transnistria.
